1 [no obj] a always followed by an adverb or preposition : to move or climb over something quickly especially while also using your hands
▪ We scrambled over the boulders and kept climbing up the mountain. ▪ He scrambled up the ramp.
b : to move or act quickly to do, find, or get something often before someone else does
▪ reporters scrambling to finish stories by deadline ▪ Both players scrambled for the ball. ▪ News of the factory closing found workers scrambling to find jobs. ▪ It started to rain, and we all scrambled for cover. 2 [+ obj] : to prepare (eggs) by mixing the white and yellow parts together and then stirring the mixture in a hot pan
▪ I'll scramble some eggs for breakfast. 3 [+ obj] : to put (parts of something) in the wrong order — often used as (be) scrambled ▪ The letters of the words are scrambled. [=mixed up] 4 [+ obj] : to change (a radio or electronic signal) so that whoever receives it will not be able to understand it
▪ We will have to scramble our radio communications. ▪ The cable company scrambles the channels that you do not pay for. 5 [no obj] American football, of a quarterback : to run with the ball while being chased by defensive players
▪ The quarterback scrambled for a 5-yard gain.